TK 06 - Sandakan Sightseeing

1) Airport Pick-Up

Flight arrival before 0830 hrs

2) Pick-up Schedule

0815–0830 hrs : Pick-up from accommodation in Sandakan area
0850–0900 hrs : Pick-up from accommodation in Sepilok area

3) Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center

Drive approximately forty minutes to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center.
At this world renowned center, come face to face with human’s closest relative, the Orang Utan.
Orang Utan shares 97% of the same DNA as humans.

While Orang Utan rehabilitation is still the primary goal at Sepilok, present aims include:

• public education on conservation
• research
• assistance to other endangered species such as captive breeding of the rare and endangered rhinoceros

Watch the scheduled video programme about the Orang Utan and the center at the Nature Education Centre and pay a visit to the Exhibition Hall at the centre.
The video show takes about 25 minutes.

After registration, proceed to the feeding platform.
The Orang Utan feeding time is at 1000 hrs.
Witness the feeding of the Orang Utan.

4) Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

After that, continue the trip by visiting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

The sun bear is:

• the smallest
• most arboreal
• and least known of the bear family

It measures between 120–150 cm long and 60–78 cm high at the shoulder.
Unlike other bears, the sun bear's dark brown or black fur is short and sleek, probably due to the lowland climates it lives in.

On their chest sits a pale beige horseshoe-shaped marking, said to resemble a setting or rising sun.
Similar color fur can be found around the muzzle and the eyes.

Sun bears in Borneo live in the forest. They are so clever at hiding in the trees that you would be extremely lucky to see one in the wild.

Lunch at Mango Garden Restaurant, Sepilok.

5) Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Proceed to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
The trip takes 40 minutes, via gravel road through oil palm and orchard farm.

This is home to the endemic Proboscis Monkey.

Proceed to the observation area where visitors will have a reasonably close and magnificent sight of these elusive monkeys.

Found in most coastal areas of Borneo, they:

• live in groups of 11–32
• inhabit mangrove forests near fresh water and lowland rainforests
• are mostly arboreal but may come down to cross open ground

With its pot belly, huge pendulous nose, and strange honking sound, it is one of the most peculiar animals in the world.

Feeding time is at 1430 hrs.
Witness the Proboscis monkey in their natural habitat when they come for their supplementary food.

6) City Tour

After that, depart Labuk Bay and continue your journey to Sandakan town.

Visit Puu Jih Shih Temple, situated on the hilltop with a commanding view of Sandakan Bay.
Built in 1987, this ornate temple is blazed with red and gold, with writhing dragons and gold gilded Buddha.
It is said that the temple protects and brings prosperity to the Sandakan community.

Drive downhill and pass by Sim Sim Water Village.
This settlement was established in 1897.
Here you can walk and see the houses on stilts occupied by local Chinese and Malays (time permitted).

Proceed to the Local Restaurant for dinner.
(Buffet – Malaysian Cuisine)

7) Return to Sandakan

After dinner, transfer back to Sandakan and drop-off at either:

• your accommodation, or
• Sandakan airport

(Recommended flight departure at 2100 hrs onwards) (L, D)